Age estimation and dispersal in the spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta)

We used observations of known-age, free-ranging spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) from a large social group to develop age-estimation models. A model based on tooth-eruption data estimates the ages of animals 10.0-15.5 (+/-1.1 SD) months old. We used tooth-wear data to estimate the ages of adult males +/-4.9 months and ages of females +/-22.6 months. Analysis of known and estimated ages shows that males usually disperse from their natal group when 24-60 months of age. Eight of 20 males whose fates were known lived in 3 groups over time, and at least 7 of 41 resident immigrant males appeared to arrive in the study group years after leaving their birthplaces. Thus, males of this species often engage in multiple dispersal events.